SECTION 3 - (CHAPTER 11)

STATEMENT ON SITUATION IN KASHMIR

Lok Sabha on 31 August, 1965

Sir, I would like to inform the hon. Members that on 26th August our Army units crossed the cease-fire line south of Uri to clear up all raiders established in the area of the bulge made by the cease-fire line. It was from these bases that Pakistani infiltrators had moved towards Gulmarg and the Kashmir valley and it was from these bases that they were being supplied. The bases had been well protected by Pakistani troops and reliable information had been received that large bands of raiders were concentrated here for future infiltration.

These cleaning up operations undertaken by the army have met with complete success and our units are now in occupation of the Hajipir pass which is the main route through which these raiders have been moving. In the course of these operations, our troops have also captured the important feature of Bedore and a number of other posts. The Hajipir Pass is five miles south of the cease- fire line as the crow flies but a considerable distance longer by tracks as the country is high, mountainous and difficult. In these operations we have captured substantial quantities of arms, ammunition and equipment, designed to supply the raiders as well as to defend the area. Casualties of our own troops have been light and details of casualities of PAK forces are still being received.

I am sure that the hon. Members will join me in congratulating the troops and units which took part in these very difficult but well-planned and well conceived operations.